Did you enjoy our 2015 YEAR OF 2015 Annual Report? THE CITY OF RED DEER Tell us what you think at 4914 - 48 AVENUE (BOX 5008) www.reddeer.ca/annualreport RED DEER, AB, T4N 3T4 www.reddeer.ca

FOR THE YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31, 2015 ANNUAL WWW.REDDEER.CA WWW.REDDEER.CA REPORT 2015 CONTENTS

4 City Profile 7 Red Deer City Council 8 Mayor’s Message 9 City Manager’s Message 10 We Red Deer 12 The Cart Club Has its Privileges 13 Red Deer Airport 14 Opportunity Meets Planning: A Review of the City’s Direction 18 Readying Ourselves for 2019 20 Red Deer is Winning 22 More Bees Please! Have You Heard the Buzz About Pollinator Parks in the City? 23 Kiwanis Harmony Garden: Sustainable Play in the City 24 Housing Options in Red Deer 25 Every Toss Counts 26 My Ride, Your Ride, We All Ride Red Deer Transit

28 Ready to Rock and Roll in Riverlands 31 Red Deer Reaching 100,000 32 A Growing City 34 Chief Financial Officer’s Message 35 Financial Statements

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he City of Red Deer (The City) is a thriving, management, long term borrowing, financial modern city of 100,807 people located between analysis and reporting, information systems and . The City provides its operations and support, assessing and levying citizens with a wide range of services. Property property, records management, and many taxes, user fees and grants fund these services. other financial and administrative services. T Legal services are provided internally and by GENERAL OPERATIONS - contracted firms. The City’s general DEVELOPMENT SERVICES The Development Services Division includes the operations include: Engineering, Public Works, Emergency Services, Electric Light & Power, and Environmental COMMUNITY SERVICES Services departments. In addition to providing The Community Services Division coordinates engineering services, roadway and bridge the delivery of recreation and culture amenities maintenance, sidewalk repair and meter and opportunities, parks, transit, and social maintenance, the division is also responsible services in Red Deer through the Recreation, for the operation of the water, wastewater, solid Parks & Culture, Transit, and Social Planning waste utilities, and recycling program as well as departments. Services include development the operation of The City’s equipment pool and and maintenance of The City’s extensive electric utility. Emergency Services provides a parks and open space system, playground and number of services including fire suppression, rink maintenance, operation of The City’s emergency medical services, and fire prevention. two cemeteries, operation of a wide variety of recreational and cultural activities, facilities and OTHER family and community support services. Transit The City has a Human Resources department offers fixed transit routes throughout the city, and a Communications & Strategic Planning special transportation, and some charter services. department, which provide service to all The Community Services Division is also departments. responsible for policing, through a contract with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and provides police services including general SELF FUNDING investigation, traffic, community policing and OPERATIONS - The City victim services. The City provides building and a number of municipal employees to support the operates a number of self RCMP in providing these police services. funding operations. PLANNING SERVICES The Planning Division includes the Land WATER UTILITY & Economic Development, Inspections & The City obtains water from the Red Deer River Licensing, and Planning departments. Land and provides water treatment and distribution & Economic Development includes land through a water treatment plant to a system of CITY PROFILE development and economic promotion. water reservoirs, booster stations and a water Inspections & Licensing includes development distribution system, which distributes water to approvals, building inspections, parking services, the residents of Red Deer and supplements the licensing, and animal control and enforcement. water system for Gasoline Alley of Red Deer The Planning department provides subdivision County as well as the North and South Red Land Use Bylaw updates and approvals, growth Deer Water Services Commissions. Services planning, as well as providing the opportunity include water main maintenance, hydrant and for public input into planning activities. valve inspection, hydrant and valve repair and water meter maintenance. The utility is funded CORPORATE SERVICES through utility charges to customers. The Corporate Services Division provides financial and information services to The WASTEWATER UTILITY City through the Information Technology, The City provides a wastewater collection and Financial Services, Revenue & Assessment, treatment system through a series of wastewater and Legislative Services departments. Services lines and mains and the operation of a include administering and coordinating policy wastewater treatment plant. The utility is funded and procedural work, City investments, budgets, through utility charges to customers. and reserves, The City’s insurance program, risk

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PARKING OPERATIONS SOLID WASTE UTILITY The City provides parking in the downtown The City provides solid waste and recycling area through on-street metered parking, and collection and landfill operation within the solid metered and off-street parking lots in a number waste utility. These services are largely carried YOUR of locations. The City also provides 400 stalls of out by contracts with the private sector. The City parking in the Sorenson Station parkade, which also has a household hazardous waste site at the City Council opened to the public in September 2010. The landfill site that is available year round. The solid parking utility is administered by the Inspections waste utility is funded through user fees. & Licensing department and is funded primarily through parking revenues and fines. ELECTRIC UTILITY The City owns an electric distribution system SUBDIVISIONS which is subject to the rules set out in the Electric The City’s Subdivision Fund provides the Utilities Act of the Province of . The extension of major services to new areas of the utility is not a retailer of electricity and only city and recovers such costs through charges distributes electricity to the citizens of Red Deer to developers connecting to these services. through its distribution and transmission system The City is also involved in the development comprised of substations, transformers, and and marketing of commercial, industrial overhead and underground distribution lines. and residential land in Red Deer. The Land This utility is operated by the Electric Light & & Economic Development department is Power department as a self-supporting utility responsible for the coordination of The City’s with funding provided through distribution land development activities. Funding of the service rates regulated by City Council and Subdivision Fund is primarily through the sale of charged to customers. commercial, industrial and residential land.

EQUIPMENT POOL City equipment, such as trucks, emergency vehicles, sweepers, buses and graders are the responsibility of The City’s equipment pool. Operating and maintenance costs are charged to the equipment pool, with such costs being recovered through user fees charged to departments and the public using the equipment. These user fees include a surcharge to help provide for the eventual replacement of the equipment. These funds are held in an equipment replacement reserve.

Mayor Tara Veer Councillor Paul Harris Councillor Lynne Mulder E [email protected] E [email protected] E [email protected] P 403.342.8154 P 403.341.3352 P 403.341.6418 F 403.342.8365 F 403.341.5754 F 403.346.6195

Councillor Buck Buchanan Councillor Ken Johnston Councillor Frank Wong E [email protected] E [email protected] E [email protected] P 403.343.6550 C 403.358.8049 P 403.347.6514 F 403.346.6195 F 403.346.6195 F 403.346.6195

Councillor Tanya Handley Councillor Lawrence Lee Councillor Dianne Wyntjes E [email protected] E [email protected] E [email protected] C 403.596.5848 C 403.318.8862 C 403.505.4256 F 403.346.6195 F 403.346.6195 F 403.346.6195

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and love to our province and country. The winner of our 100,000 citizen contest, baby Arlo, represents the face of our MAYOR’S MESSAGE growing community, a city that is young, CITY MANAGER’S MESSAGE Tara Veer dynamic and full of promise. Craig Curtis Growth, however, doesn’t come without growing pains. Citizens have told us that public safety continues to be a priority. Red Deerians will always remember 2015 In 2015 we unveiled our Annual Policing I am pleased to present the 2015 as the year our city surpassed the 100,000 Plan for the first time in city history Annual Report which outlines The population mark, distinguishing ourselves as in response to our public’s concern City’s vision and the work being Alberta’s next big city. for community safety. Property crime Looking to 2016, City Council will carried out to achieve it. remains an area in which we will continue continue to advocate for a new courthouse, The number is largely symbolic, but to focus our efforts, but we have made expansion of the Red Deer Regional Our community reached a major more concretely, it elevates our profile as significant progress on the other key Hospital, as well as support RDC’s milestone in 2015 as our population a growing regional hub and the largest of themes in the plan including: reducing efforts in attaining status as Polytechnic exceeded 100,000. This places Red our province’s mid-sized cities, serving our the impact of organized crime, reducing University. Deer in a new category of cities in region of up to 350,000 people. Given our crimes against persons, contributing terms of measurement comparison growing population and related influence, it to safer youth, and contributing to Charter development plays an integral and economic development. It has become evident that when we build Red safer roads. Transportation pressures part of Council’s work plan. In 2015, we helps to define us as a modern, of Red Deer College will now be of work. There are many more Deer, we are ultimately building Alberta and also continue to be top of mind for our adopted the Social Policy Framework (SPF) entrepreneurial and connected city incorporated in the parks system. initiatives happening behind the Canada as well. community. In 2015, we made progress – the first of its kind – which represents serving a region of over 270,000. In addition, the North of 11A Major scenes, as we continue the work on our roadway infrastructure deficit, our Social Pillar of Sustainability. The SPF Area Structure Plan provides for set out in the vision expressed by 2015 also marked, however, the beginning of succeeded in making progress on traffic serves as a guide in clearly articulating The Today, The City is on the brink of a new urban park surrounding City Council and the Strategic Plan. a deeper and more protracted recession than safety initiatives, modernized Transit City’s, Province’s, and community’s roles a major transformational project. Hazlett Lake as well as an important It’s important that as we weather what Alberta and Red Deer experienced in service and enhanced the Snow and Ice and responsibilities in social sustainability. The relocation of the Civic Yards link in the TransCanada Trail economic volatility in 2016, we 2008 and 2009. We know there are significant Control Program in response to identified opened up the opportunity to System. hold that course, and continue to impacts of our Provincial economy locally, citizen concerns and as a part of our City We also adopted a new framework for develop a high density mixed-use innovate, work hard and plan for a and our role as The City is to bring stability culture of continuous improvement. our Dialogue Charter in 2015. This area linking the downtown with The City is also implementing a promising future. to our local economy and community work is a practical demonstration of the river – Riverlands. An exciting number of other green initiatives through the means we have available to us. Responsiveness to our citizens is at our commitment to be responsive to vision for this area has been in place in support of environmental We hope you enjoy this glimpse the heart of what we do. One of the our citizens and provide our fellow Red for a number of years. However, sustainability. We launched an into Red Deer’s achievements as In 2015 we quite literally laid the ground fundamental principles of our Strategic Deerians meaningful opportunities to 2015 was the year in which organics collection pilot called we share with you the 2015 Annual work for Riverlands, a once-in-a-lifetime Plan, citizen-focused service, aligns engage with their City and strengthen development began with the burial the Green Cart program and Report. opportunity which has been a vision for with the 2015 launch of MyCity – a key our decision making as we represent our of the transmission line along the expanded the plastics we recycle our community for many years; now that initiative in our efforts to modernize local community. river, and the construction of a new both in an effort to reduce waste Riverlands is “development ready”, we government and increase the accessibility entrance at Alexander Way. This in the landfill and greenhouse hope to see the private sector respond with of our local government services. In 2016, Council will be establishing year will see more infrastructure gases in the air. The City has also investment to the confidence in our local further direction through the Financial work including the development started a Community Greenhouse economy that our public sector investment is Last year also brought about the Leadership Charter, an Emergency of the River Walk trail and square Gas (GHG) emissions study called demonstrating. long awaited expansion of plastics Services review, and a Transit review linking to the Waskasoo Park Trail the Community Energy and in our recyclables program and the among many other initiatives we have in System. Emissions Plan (CEEP) to establish This past year, The City also helped secure launch of the organics collection pilot, our work plan. baselines, targets and strategies to provincial funding for the Red Deer Regional Green Cart. These projects help fulfill Riverlands will enhance the city reduce our community’s energy Airport runway expansion, and is actively our commitment to environmental When we welcomed 10,000 visitors this in the same way as other major consumption and related emissions. preparing for the 2019 Canada Winter sustainability by implementing the May for the 2016 MasterCard Memorial transformational projects over The CEEP project links to the Games and the 2016 Memorial Cup. These Environmental Master Plan. Making Cup, Red Deer was able to showcase all the last 30 years. These include Environmental Master Plan as well are all initiatives which will boost our local phased progress in operational service our community has to offer. In addition the relocation of Westerner Park, as the corporate Climate Change economy and raise our national profile. levels positions our community well for to benefiting from the positive economic the building of the Centrium, Adaptation Initiative that is being future objectives. spinoff the athletes, team staff and the relocation of the railway line done in conjunction with Local As we showcase our city to our fellow spectators brought, Red Deer was able to outside of downtown and the Governments for Sustainability Albertans and Canadians, the launch of our In terms of Council’s advocacy to other continue to define and promote ourselves development of Waskasoo Park (ICLEI). Identity Project in 2015 intends to elevate orders of government, The City made as the welcoming, modern and dynamic along the river valley. our community profile and branding. Prior strong representations to the Provincial city we are and are becoming. The Annual Report provides a to this project, Red Deer’s profile was, by Government to help secure funding for As the city grows, plans are in place venue to share The City’s work default, defined by others. Now, through the the airport, to repurpose the former Red Thank you, citizens of Red Deer, for the to expand the city’s park system with you – often to mark a starting work of more than 1,400 Red Deer residents Deer Nursing home site for the Piper opportunity Council has to serve you. We and link to other natural features. point for a new program, or to and many community partners, we have Creek Lodge rebuild, and to solidify the are proud to be Red Deerian and call this The Bower Natural Area south celebrate the culmination of years defined Red Deer for ourselves, positioning partnership for the Gary W. Harris Centre great community home with you. us to brand the “real Red Deer” we all know at Red Deer College (RDC), a key facility for the 2019 Canada Winter Games. 8 9 ANNUAL WWW.REDDEER.CA WWW.REDDEER.CA REPORT 2015

t’s often difficult to articulate why we love Canada Winter Games Society. Along with The the people and places most familiar to us. City, all have an important stake in fostering Sometimes, though, it’s important to get the civic pride, promoting our community in a language just right so as to shout that love from consistent and positive way, and drawing more the rooftops. residents, visitors, students, customers, members, I employees, exhibitors and/or investment. Because Red Deer is in our hearts – if not always on the tip of our tongues – we felt it necessary to Collaboration and community support has find the right words to tell (or shout) the story always been at the heart of our story. It’s why we of Red Deer to ourselves and others. It’s why the spoke with 1,400 people on the street, on the bus, Identity project was born: to describe Red Deer at recreation centres and in focus groups. It’s why in an authentic way to better identify our city we consulted reports compiled from the efforts and its people to ourselves, and to promote that of other organizations to gain insight into what story to the rest of the world. makes our community tick.

“Red Deer has historically been described in “It truly was a community effort,” said Kristy reference to our bigger neighbours, Edmonton Svoboda, Identity Champion and Director of and Calgary, but we’ve always known we are Human Resources. “It’s always been important more than that,” said Julia Harvie-Shemko, that The City not do this in isolation, but that Director of Communications & Strategic Red Deerians were a key part of the process in Planning. owning their story.”

“City Council understood When the rest of the Identity videos are complete in 2017, we believe they will resonate the importance of being with Red Deerians. We will see a modern, recognized as a unique city diverse landscape emerge even as we retain the advantages of a smaller centre. We will in its own right, and for our see ourselves reflected in the images of our community. Red Deerians have crafted their own citizens to feel they belonged narrative, and we hope they are proud to tell it to to a community they were others. At its heart, it’s a love story. We are – and we love – Red Deer. proud to call their own.” - Harvie-Shemko RED DEER’S COMMUNITY STORY In 2015, The City revealed the Identity narrative – or community story – that characterizes Red ESSENCE A centred city, uniquely connected Deer’s personality and that of its citizens. The narrative uncovered a number of insights into PROMISE Real balance who we are: we are a city that is connected to We work hard and make living easy. An active nature and to one another; we are friendly city rooted in an expansive park, here you’ll find WE balance like nowhere else. Step out your door and and hospitable; we are hard workers who are entrepreneurial, innovative and ready to pitch onto a nature trail. Step up the ladder and in to get something done; we also appreciate onto your path to prosperity. balance, particularly where it comes to ATTITUDE All in enjoying our parks and trails; and our central We pitch in, we chime in and we’re all in, especially location shapes our community profile with when it comes to building our community. We RED DEER its easy access to markets along a very busy work together to make our city better. transportation corridor. LEGACY Our path Along with the narrative itself, in 2015 the first in Our history is steeped in the character of inspired a series of videos debuted, fresh new photos were leaders who carved paths to the river’s edge — and showcased, and a microsite, UncoverRedDeer. built bridges over it. We’ve earned our reputation ca, launched to help key community partners for entrepreneurialism. Innovation is in our DNA. spread the word far and wide. POSSIBILITY Welcoming The project has worked with organizations such Our inclusive and diverse nature attracts those as Red Deer College, the Red Deer & District who appreciate a modern city that still retains its small town charm. Chamber of Commerce, the Red Deer Downtown Business Association, Westerner Park, Tourism Red Deer, the Red Deer Airport, and the 2019 10 11 ANNUAL WWW.REDDEER.CA WWW.REDDEER.CA REPORT 2015 THE CART CLUB RED DEER AIRPORT espite a challenging year economically for Central Games. This extension will allow YQF to accommodate HAS ITS PRIVILEGES Alberta, positive things are happening at the Red Deer larger aircraft, which will increase opportunities for Airport (YQF). In September 2015, YQF celebrated tourism and attract new commercial business and ome Red Deerians were green with envy when their neighbours its second year of Air Canada scheduled passenger services to the region. The expansion will also allow YQF scored a Green Cart in 2015. service, offering Central Alberta access to 191 to attract additional airline carriers, translating into more D worldwide destinations. travel options for Central Albertans. They wanted to know how they, too, could get their hands on a green bin designed to collect household food scraps, soiled paper “We know flying is stressful, especially in the winter “The funding of this crucial project will unlock the future and pet and yard waste – and have that organic material regularly when traffic delays and road conditions can cause potential at Red Deer’s airport. Larger planes landing picked up at their home. Alas, the Green Cart club is exclusive for now. you to miss your flight,” said John Senemma, Land means more travellers coming through the airport, and The two-year pilot, an initiative stemming from the Waste Management and Economic Development Manager. Now, Central also means more people employed. The economic spin- Master Plan, currently involves 2,000 households chosen from a range of Albertans can take advantage of shorter security lines, off should not be underestimated,” said Senemma. neighbourhoods, housing styles and demographics across the city. If all free parking and stress free travel via the thrice daily goes well, though, the program will go city-wide and everyone will be a connections from Red Deer to Calgary and on to their Construction on the runway is scheduled to begin spring member of a club that aims to divert waste from the landfill and reduce destination of choice. of 2016. greenhouse gas emissions. “Though we haven’t been immune to the diminished oil Case in point, airport staff successfully attracted Montair and gas activity in the province, we are still quite pleased Aviation’s expansion to YQF in late 2015. Montair “The interest in Green Cart, both from with the scheduled passenger and charter services the Aviation’s second location in Western Canada will airport is providing to the region,” said Senemma. provide more training opportunities to meet the growing participating households and from others demand for pilot training. By May 2016, the company who hear about it, suggests Red Deer The airport reported a slight decrease in its scheduled should be operational with eight new aircrafts, and passenger numbers and saw its charter numbers begin training approximately 100 students annually and residents have made the connection between reduced due to Northwestern Air Lease leaving the employing 20-30 full time staff. market. However, over 20,000 passengers utilized the their actions at home and where their airport in 2015, well surpassing 2013 numbers, and “This critical runway extension provides us with the household waste ends up,” Air Canada passenger numbers are holding strong necessary infrastructure to attract a much broader range despite the tough economic times. of aircraft and airlines, improve passenger experience, - Keran Braich, Waste Diversion Specialist and also support the expansion of aviation-related

In October, The City of Red Deer, business and industry to Red Deer and Central Alberta. “It tells us they are more and the Provincial Government announced that We will now be better positioned to take this airport into than ready to do their part for the funding would be provided to extend and enhance the next phase of its growth, and in doing so serve the environment.” the main runway. Without support from the Alberta market and help to expand the economic possibilities Government, it wouldn’t have been possible for this for the city of Red Deer and the broader Central Alberta When the program rolled out and important transportation project to get off the ground region,” said RJ Steenstra, CEO of Red Deer Regional onto curbs in April 2015, The City in time for the arrival of the 2019 Canada Winter Airport Authority. provided the cart, kitchen catcher, compostable bags and reference Lastly, YQF played a role in welcoming three Syrian information. A few participants The Red Deer Airport plays a vital role in expanding refugee families to Central Alberta this winter, where initially wondered if they’d use HIGHLIGHTS the economic possibilities of Central Alberta by: their first introduction to our community was with the the big cart – but the data speaks friendly staff at the Red Deer Airport. for itself: By the end of 2015, The City collected more than 500 PROVIDING MORE CONVENIENT TRAVEL OPTIONS It is bound to be a busy year for YQF – jump on board tonnes of organics from Green VIA SCHEDULED AIRLINE SERVICES and fly Red Deer. Cart households and sent it to the pickup for garbage, and more capacity for recycling – now that The City can accept composting facility. Green Carters numbered plastics 1 through 7. Implementing the program as a pilot for two years GENERATING TRANSPORTING SUPPORTING DIVERSIFYING THE generated 2.7 kilograms less waste increases the likelihood of success. It gives collection and composting contractors time LOCAL ECONOMY each week, and 95 per cent of to streamline their operations, provides insight into what works and what doesn’t, and ENSURING CENTRAL participants reported being satisfied allows The City flexibility to respond accordingly. ALBERTA REMAINS or very satisfied with the cart. + COMPETITIVE “It’s better for everyone to make adjustments and improvements when you’re 225 20,000 17 DIRECT JOBS AND ATTRACTING SCHEDULED PASSENGERS IN 2015 COMMERCIAL AVIATION The automated cart system was new dealing with a smaller number of participants,” said Braich. “Nearly 40 per cent of all ADDITIONAL FUTURE BUSINESSES BASED AT for Red Deer, too. This collection household garbage is compostable. There’s huge potential for making a big impact, EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES THE AIRPORT system will realize operational and we want to do it right.” efficiencies and pave the way for CONTRIBUTING DEVELOPING INTO A MAJOR even more diversion, through a OF ORGANICS HOUSEHOLDS CREATING COMMERCIAL cart system that sees alternate-week HUB FOR SPECIALIZED HIGH- 500TONNES COLLECTED 2,000 PARTICIPATING DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES QUALITY AVIATION TRAINING 12 $100 MILLION FOR AVIATION-RELATED 13 IN TOTAL ECONOMIC OUTPUT BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY ANNUAL WWW.REDDEER.CA WWW.REDDEER.CA REPORT 2015

hen traveling down the road of strategies and steps outlining our priorities and of opportunity, there are many opportunities for change. You will see and read the things you need to pack to help many elements of the Strategic Plan throughout this you successfully reach your Annual Report, as the themes of the Strategic Plan destination. A steady, reliable guide the work we do every day. vehicle, a detailed plan, and a suitcase full of vision are all things that might The 2015 – 2018 Strategic Plan has laid out Red come in handy. The City has packed our vehicle Deer’s direction for the next three years. The first year with all these things, and we are well on our way focusing on these three themes (2015) showed great towards our future – with Red Deerians leading progress and movement towards our goals. This plan the way. builds upon our foundation set in the 2012-2014 Strategic Plan of safety, design, identity and economy The City’s Strategic Plan outlines the vision for and establishes the new three theme areas of dialogue, our community and the strategy for creating community amenities and financial leadership. Here our desired future. The many components of is the progress we have made in these three areas: the strategic plan are an interconnected series

OPPORTUNITY MEETS PLANNING DIALOGUE COMMUNITY AMENITIES FINANCIAL LEADERSHIP Engaging our community and Planning great spaces and Creating a sustainable financial enhancing our relationships places for community living foundation

The Dialogue Charter was Following a broad community Council’s work in 2015 in this area developed under the 2009-2014 consultation effort in 2014, focused on creating and adopting strategic direction and is now 2015 focused on putting detailed budget guidelines that A REVIEW OF being updated. Many strategies everything in the right place have clear direction for both outlined in the charter have and time in the 10 year capital operating and capital budgets. been completed, including the budget. In this capital budget, Value for Money audits were research and development of a administration included 15 of reviewed and scheduled for 2015 Public Participation Framework. the top 20 ranked amenities. and 2016 with a complete term of From that, a Public Participation Capital projects related to the reference related to the audits in THE CITY’S Toolbox was adopted by 2019 Canada Winter Games place. The Financial Leadership Council in January and has been were previously approved by Charter is in development, tested on several projects and Council, but remain a focus for and as you will see from this initiatives. Further refinement our amenities as we get closer document, our focus is on creating of the toolbox is underway, to welcoming the world to Red a transparent and sustainable with a plan of rolling it out as Deer and our facilities. financial foundation for our DIRECTION an organizational tool in 2016. organization. Red Deer City Council is also working on a few key initiatives under this area, like reviewing advisory committees and continuing to advocate priorities with the new Provincial Government.

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SUSTAINABILITY AS THE BASE VISION OF ANY GOOD PLAN Innovative Thinking / Inspired Results / Vibrant Community The City’s Strategic Plan also serves as its sustainability plan. By aligning the two plans, we have adopted the best practice of MISSION integrating sustainability across the five dimensions (culture, society, environment, economy and governance) with our strategic goals, The City of Red Deer works together to provide leadership providing us with a comprehensive plan for a sustainable community. and sustainable municipal services for our community. It is a hybrid vehicle of sorts, getting us where we need to be with sustainability at the driver’s seat.

Here is a look at the areas we covered in 2015 to climb the road to The City of Red Deer has made it its business sustainability and the roads we have left still to discover. to promote diversity and inclusion within the organization, and aims to lead by example in the rest of the community. As such we have:

HOW SATISFIED WERE »» Formalized our commitment to combat ENVIRONMENTAL CULTURAL ECONOMIC SOCIAL GOVERNANCE racism and discrimination through becoming a signatory to the Canadian Coalition RED DEERIANS IN 2015 of Municipalities Against Racism and Red Deer actively Red Deer is a Strategic analysis Red Deer is a Visionary Discrimination. enhances its vibrant city with an promotes economic strong, engaged leadership is The Citizen Satisfaction »» Introduced mandatory diversity training for rich natural authentic identity vitality and a community that realized through a TOP PRIORITIES Survey was administered permanent, full-time staff. environment where history is strong resilient embraces its framework of plans, » by Ipsos in December Top 3 priorities Red Deerians » Hired a full-time Diversity and Inclusion and minimizes honoured, and environment for diversity. policies and budgets Specialist. 2015. It was conducted by want to see in the next 12 its ecological spaces and places business health. To Through leadership, and oversight »» Formed a corporate Diversity Team, which works telephone to a randomly months footprint through help people meet the current support and for the enduring to align practices and policies with The City’s selected sample of 300 City leadership, connect. Diversity and future financial partnerships, public good. It is % Diversity and Inclusion Vision of being a vibrant, community is valued and needs of Red Deer, everyone can meet characterized by residents aged 18 years 37 % TRANSPORTATION healthy and diverse organization that supports collaboration and respected, creative resources are their needs and the informed and or older. This is the 33 a welcoming and inclusive community where active stewardship. expression and managed through maintain a good effective leadership ninth consecutive year MUNICIPAL everyone feels safe and can fully participate in We are a leading innovation are decision making quality of life. of City Council The City participated in % GOVERNMENT community life. example of a encouraged, and processes which Equality, social and enables the the survey. 32 SERVICES »» Supported the establishment of a Welcoming CRIME resilient community citizens have a consider and well-being and a transparent, and Inclusive Communities (WIC) Network, a in which urban and sense of pride and regularly assesses sense of belonging collaborative group designed to help assess the diversity needs natural systems belonging. both long and short are supported, and and inclusive in our community and promote collaboration are effectively term financial effect decisions are just. involvement for further understanding and respect. integrated to the on the organization of internal »» Incorporated diversity and inclusion into our benefit of both. and the community. and external Strategic Plan’s principles, charters and pillars. stakeholders. OVERALL QUALITY OF LIFE VALUE FOR TAXES »» Hosted the 2016 Fostering Diverse Communities Conference in Red Deer. »» Written it into our community narrative, which 88% defines the character of our city. ENVIRONMENTAL CULTURE VISION AND ECONOMIC SOCIAL POLICY GOVERNANCE 97% say they get good of Red Deerians say they have a very MASTER PLAN MASTER PLAN DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK FRAMEWORK good / good quality of life. value for their taxes. COMPLETE. COMPLETE. STRATEGY COMPLETE. COMPLETE. COMPLETE. FIFTY-SIX PER CENT THE CITY’S FINANCIAL IMPLEMENTATION FULL SET OF Said to: Increase taxes to ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY PLAN IN POLICIES ADOPTED. maintain service levels and/or MASTER PLAN WILL BE PLAN CURRENTLY IN DEVELOPMENT. % enhance/expand service level. UPDATED IN 2017. DEVELOPMENT. 76 say quality of life has improved or stayed the same in the last three years. THIRTY-SIX PER CENT Said to: Cut services to maintain current taxes and/or reduce taxes. 16 17 ANNUAL WWW.REDDEER.CA WWW.REDDEER.CA REPORT 2015

“One of the mandates we One big milestone in 2015 was the announcement of the Gary W. Harris Centre have is to ensure that we for Health, Wellness & Sport, a legacy of WHO IS SCOTT ROBINSON, the Jeux du at Red Deer CEO OF THE 2019 CANADA develop volunteer capacity College. This facility is a great example of WINTER GAMES HOST through the Games what happens when a community gets an SOCIETY? opportunity to host the largest national and thus it will be our multi-sport games in the world. READYING Behind every successful project is a great leader, and Red Deer responsibility as staff to “Facilities are here beyond the Games and was lucky enough to secure the build our team with that are stimulated because of Red Deer winning leadership of Scott Robinson. the bid,” said Cockerill. “We are already Hired in June of 2015, he is no in mind,” seeing the fruits of Games labour due to stranger to big sporting events. - Scott Robinson, CEO, 2019 Canada joint funding from the Province and The Winter Games Host Society City, this world class, $80 million facility will “I had been a part of several be here for years beyond the games. And the Canada Winter Games through OURSELVES FOR Hockey Alberta overseeing our most exciting part is that this is just one of The Games will require over 5,000 many legacies to come.” male and female provincial surprise to me. Lyn Radford’s track Robinson to the Host Society. The volunteers by Games time, and Games staff teams, so I knew what an record speaks for itself. Her energy, society is made up of experienced will be essential for support and volunteer incredible opportunity the Besides playing host to Short Track Speed experience and drive were all part of and dedicated volunteers and staff engagement. Games can be for the athletes Skating and Squash, the Gary W. Harris what made our Games bid successful members. Volunteers are a big part and the communities,” said Centre will be an iconic example of how the and with her continued involvement of the Games, from the beginning “This is such a great example of strong Robinson. Games brings a leveraging opportunity to and leadership, we will demonstrate to the end, and the leadership is no leadership being set up in a sound structure projects and facilities to ensure they get built the best of Red Deer and its citizens different. with strong volunteers and staff,” said Cockerill. “When I heard Red 2019 and ready to host the nation’s best athletes. when we welcome Canadians in 2019,” Deer was going to said Mayor Tara Veer. “This centre will be a tremendous facility bid on the Games for sport development and competition for In February 2015, The Canada Central Alberta, Alberta and the nation to Winter Games Board of Directors was I knew I had to be take advantage of for many years to come,” appointed, with The City of Red Deer said Robinson. “Red Deer College will finally involved.” - Robinson holding a spot on that board as a key have world class athletic facilities to match partner to the Games, and that person Looking forward to a few its national athletic excellence history and is Sarah Cockerill, our Director of busy years ahead, Robinson the Games have been a significant catalyst to ince the big announcement in Community Services. notes that there will be a lot of make this happen.” the summer of 2014 that Red planning and organizing to do Deer would be host to the 2019 “It’s an exciting time and an exciting behind the scenes. They will be 2015 also saw work planned for the Red Canada Winter Games, there project to be a part of,” said Cockerill. focused on volunteers, sponsors, Deer Arena. At the end of it’s life cycle, it was has been a lot of work going “Sitting at a table with some of the facilities and readying Red Deer determined a new roof would be needed, for what’s to come. There are on behind the scenes making smartest, most connected minds along with several other upgrades to meet so many exciting milestones sure we put our best foot forward, have in Red Deer, working towards this today’s building codes. Red Deer was also in and events on the horizon, but our best people at the helm and get our common goal of making these games need of a modernized arena that could serve what is the thing that he is most facilities ready to host these amazing the best they can be, and bringing as as a venue for the Canada Winter Games, excited about? games. But 2015 wasn’t a year that held much as we can to our community is and it was identified as a host facility during a lot of glitz and glamour, just plain old an exciting thing to be a part of.” “When the first athlete gets off the bid for the games. Work is kicking off hard work. the plane and lands in Red Deer. in 2016 on the new facility, and it is set to While it may have seemed like a quiet I think that will be a really cool open 2018. In December of 2014, the 2019 Canada year, there was lots of planning and moment. We will feel so excited Games Transition Team Nominations setting of the stage that took place. about what we have built and Working Group selected Red Deerian how we showcase Red Deer and Alberta to all of Canada in a Lyn Radford to Chair the Board of Throughout the fall and winter, we way that we can’t even imagine Directors for the 2019 Canada Winter worked on landing formal agreements, today,” he said. Games. In the history of the Canada and establishing contribution to Games, the appointment of Lyn capital funding for new and upgraded Radford is the first time that a singular facilities needed for the games through Chair of the Board of Directors will be the capital budget process. a female. Last year was also a year of bringing “The announcement of the Board on the right people and placing them Chair of the Red Deer’s Canada Winter in the right places, starting with Games Host Society comes as no hiring Chief Executive Officer Scott

18 19 WWW.REDDEER.CA

e think Red Deer is a pretty ALBERTA VENTURE MAGAZINE Responsibility. The Kerry Wood Nature Centre In November of 2015, Alberta Venture Magazine and Fort Normandeau are two of Red Deer’s awesome place, but it is nice recognized Red Deer as a Great Community long-standing community amenities that offer th to be recognized every now for Business award winner, garnering a 10 extensive programs related to natural and place ranking in the 25 Best Communities for human history interpretation, environmental and again too. We hate to Business in Western Canada. Our transit system, education, school and public programs, family small business hub and increasingly diversified events, courses, day camps and more. toot our own horn, but here are some of economy contributed to us achieving this award the awards and accolades that Red Deer and showcased what we knew: that Red Deer is a NATIONAL PROCUREMENT INSTITUTE “The Nature great area for industry and enterprise. The City of Red Deer was awarded the received in 2015. prestigious 20th Annual Achievement of Centre and Fort CANADIAN FEDERATION OF INDEPENDENT Excellence in Procurement Award (AEP) from BUSINESS SURVEY the National Procurement Institute (NPI). The Normandeau are Red Deer came in 23rd out of 121 cities surveyed AEP Award is earned by public and non-profit certainly deserving for Canada’s Top Entrepreneurial Cities in organizations that obtain a high application 2015. This survey looks at what entrepreneurial score based on the standardized criteria of of this award, and characteristics Canada’s largest cities possess, the innovation, professionalism, e-procurement, level of dynamism of each community and then productivity, and leadership. The City of Red places it on a measurable scale. RECYCLING COUNCIL OF ALBERTA Deer is proud to TOP TEN MICRO CITIES OF THE FUTURE Our Composting at Home program was In 2015, this survey ranked Red Deer as fourth recognized by the Recycling Council of partner with such in the category of cost effectiveness, after Rio de Alberta (RCA) with the 2015 Social Marketing an innovative Janeiro and San Jose. Red Deer also ranked sixth, Award. The award recognized outstanding and was the only Canadian City in the top eight, contributions to waste reduction, recycling organization that in the category of FDI Strategy. and resource conservation in Alberta. Since the program launched in 2012, 839 is recognized as a AUMA SUSTAINABILITY AWARD households have committed to composting The Alberta Urban Municipalities Association with approximately 72 per cent of households leader in the area (AUMA) awarded Red Deer with the maintaining their composting practices one Sustainability in Action award in recognition of year later. of social change. two key areas of work – governance and public RED DEER IS engagement. For 2015, the award focused on “We are very proud of The work they do governance, and The City submitted two projects this accomplishment. Not and programs they that highlight efforts in the areas of public participation and governance policy framework. offer definitely just of our team that has contribute to the helped to promote the WINNING! composting program, but building of a vibrant and sustainable also our residents who have embraced composting Red Deer.” “This service is the culmination and are putting in the time City Manager Craig Curtis., of years of excellent regional in reference to the Alberta and effort to making it an Museums Association Award collaboration. We are proud ongoing practice.” “We were honoured to be that our work and successful - Lauren Maris, Environmental partnership has been recognized for these projects Program Specialist

recognized, but we are even by the AUMA. Both staff and ECONOMIC DEVELOPERS ALBERTA BOLT Transit, the regional service launched more gratified that we are Council are proud of the work by , Lacombe, and Red Deer, achieving our environmental was awarded a Community Economic that has been done to further Development award by Economic Developers goals, we are meeting demands our sustainability.” - Mayor Veer Alberta (EDA). The awards honour Alberta communities and individuals for excellence for alternative transportation in in Business and Investment Attraction, our growing communities in a ALBERTA MUSEUMS ASSOCIATION Business Retention and Expansion, and Red Deer’s Kerry Wood Nature Centre and Community Economic Development. BOLT cost effective manner, and our Historic Fort Normandeau were recognized Transit launched in August 2014 as a way of by the Alberta Museums Association (AMA) connecting Red Deer, Blackfalds, and residents are pleased with the with the Robert R. Janes Award for Social Lacombe residents. 20 service.” Mayor Tara Veer, in reference to 21 the Economic Developers Award ANNUAL WWW.REDDEER.CA WWW.REDDEER.CA REPORT 2015

The most famous pollinator is the Everyone can be a honeybee, yet there are several native species of bees, wasps, beetles, flies, part of the Pollinator KIWANIS HARMONY butterflies, moths and hummingbirds that are busy pollinating our flowers and Parks System: Sustainable play vegetable gardens each year. Without these »» Plant flowers that bloom in the city helpful insects and animals moving pollen GARDENS MORE BEES throughout the spring and summer HAVE YOU HEARD THE from one plant to another we wouldn’t have and into the fall. nearly the amount or diversity of fruits and usic is a great connector. It is experienced by people of »» Plant flowers and shrubs to create BUZZ ABOUT POLLINATOR vegetables, bouquets of pretty flowers, or all cultural backgrounds, cognitive and physical abilities, a green corridor connecting with even chocolate bars or coffee. These things and of any age and gender; everyone can create music PARKS IN THE CITY? your neighbour’s plants. Even all depend on pollination to produce the together. The Waskasoo Environmental Education Society plants in pots on balconies and PLEASE! seeds and fruit that we enjoy. (WEES) is committed to providing play and learning decks will work. ollinator Parks are areas that promote and preserve the natural habitat of opportunities that are truly inclusive, equitable and pollinators. In 2015, The City selected four parks as Pollinator Parks: City Hall, Interpretive signs are being added to the »» Provide nesting sites - bare soil, accessible, in both financial and physical aspects of accessibility. The Snell Gardens, Maskepetoon Park, and Bower Ponds. four designated parks to teach residents rotting wood, stacked rocks, even addition of the Kiwanis Harmony Garden to the WEES amenities is in about the role pollinators play in our bee houses encourage pollinators tune to these values. The City Parks section also protects native pollinators by ensuring that pesticides ecosystem and what people can do to to move in. This musical play space is located adjacent to the Kerry Wood Nature which contain Neonicotinoids are not used in any City Park or Public open enhance their own yards and gardens to »» Do not spray herbicides or Centre, beside the NOVA Chemicals Imagination Grove, and is open space. The use of Neonicotinoids is viewed as a major factor which contributes to include pollinator habitat and food sources. insecticides on your lawn or garden. pollinator population declines. Parks crews are also planting some of the pollinators’ to the public 24 hours a day, seven days a week, free of charge. It » favourite flowers, trees and bushes to make the parks more inviting, so they will hang out » Mow less! Consider leaving part features wood and metal tuned percussion instruments, hand drums, a little longer. of your yard as a natural area for slap pipes, and a section of fence made out of tuned pipes. The staff pollinators, birds and other wildlife. at the Nature Centre are developing music programs to blend nature “Protecting habitat in the city parks is the most important thing we »» When out for a walk on the and the environment with musical themes. All of the instruments can do to help pollinators,” said Trevor Poth, Parks Superintendent. Waskasoo Trails, act with care. Try are outside, connecting children with the great outdoors for fresh air, “As long as we preserve natural areas and promote the establishment not to disturb nests and if you pick exploration, education and musical innovation. of appropriate nectar and pollen sources, they will have shelter, food up a rock or log, put it back where and water, and these insects will thrive.” you found it; you’ll be putting the The Kiwanis Harmony Garden is 100 per cent accessible so no child “roof” back on something’s home. will have to be an observer rather than a participant because of physical barriers. To ensure full accessibility a special product called Durolawn was installed instead of gravel or grass. Durolawn provides a non-slip base for wheelchairs, mobility scooters and walking devices. Grass grows up through it, making it look like a lawn in a short time.​

The Waskasoo Environmental Education Society worked in concert with community partners including the Kiwanis Club of Red Deer, the Twilight Homes Foundation and Parkland Mall to make this project possible. The Government of Canada also chimed in with the Enabling Accessibility grant in the amount of $44,000 for the Durolawn surface.

The grand opening was celebrated on Friday, October 2, 2015 and has been a bangin’ success for WEES. It has brought many new and repeat visitors to the Kerry Wood Nature Centre and NOVA Chemicals Imagination Grove to have enriching experiences.

22 23 ANNUAL WWW.REDDEER.CA WWW.REDDEER.CA REPORT 2015

a product, uses the product and then disposes of the product,” said Whitesell. OPTIONS IN RED DEER “Now more than ever, we understand the HOUSING home provides space for family Lastly, small scale commercial and vital role we all play in bringing that chain and guests, or acts as a rental space. residential mixing is starting to EVERY TOSS full circle through recycling. A lot of work These homes also include one off- pop up in Red Deer communities and effort goes into creating products and street parking space that fits neatly with live-work areas and mixed-use consumers are recognizing the need to he City of Red Deer’s nine in the rear lane. commercial builds. Live-work units ask the question, ‘what can I do with this Planning Design Principles aim offer living units above, but separate product to give it value at the end of its to offer a wider variety of land “Floor plans and landscapes from, a distinct workspace at street life?’” uses and housing choices to build can vary to fit the needs of the level below. Said Lodewyk on the ideal more unique and well-connected occupant, as can the relationship owner of this home, “This space would COUNTS Plastic polymers can be recycled into a T neighbourhoods. Housing options, between the primary house and be perfect for the entrepreneurial Red multitude of products including tote bags, very toss counts, so when you’re like those in Timberlands North the carriage home,” said Lodewyk. Deerian. Imagine commuting to work furniture, carpet, picnic tables, drainage lining up to take the shot – range from the traditional single- “The goal with the carriage in 60 seconds or less because you live pipe, fencing, compost bins, carry out shoot for the blue box instead, family home to unique live-work home is to provide alternative above your office.” containers and various other items. especially now that all numbered spaces and rental opportunities and affordable housing for Red plastics can go in the blue box for above commercial property. Deerians.” Zoned for office, retail or commercial, The plastic expansion is just one of the curbside recycling. possible uses could include a salon, key steps to achieve recycling targets set Park Side lots are another new, boutique clothing store or bakery. out in the Waste Management Master The City wanted to up its recycling “Offering numerous premium lot style that fronts onto Nestled between the commercial Plan. The ball will start rolling on the game to allow residents to recycle all green space, offering elements and residential zones, these units Red Deer Recyclists campaign in 2016 by housing types in each numbered plastics and 2015 was the and views traditionally found in a also benefit from the high volume of recognizing and rewarding a select number year to make it happen. Now residents new community backyard to be seen from the front customers in the commercial district. of households and businesses each month can recycle even more plastics including yard. These lots connect directly for their exemplary recycling efforts. shampoo bottles, plant containers, provides flexible to the trails and park systems, While mixed-use commercial and detergent containers and yogurt pots. and allow residents to walk the residential districts provide an options for every Simply rinse them out and toss them in family dog quickly, or watch their important amenity hub for new “When you have a the blue box for curbside pickup. style, whether a first children play in the park from communities and its visitors, the floors full team effort where their own yard. above the street level commercial It’s a move that The City’s Waste time buyer, renter, spaces offer residents living units for Management team wanted to everyone is pitching The third new type of single-family maintenance-free, urban living. An expanding family or implement for some time. “Residents housing is the new wide-shallow added bonus is that residents can take in and using the blue were telling us that they wanted to downsizing senior.” lot. Wider in width and shallower advantage of the many amenities right recycle all of their plastics and of course box to its full capacity - in depth than traditional lots, at their door, such as shopping, parks, we were eager to accommodate that, - Tara Lodewyk, Director of homes are brought closer to the trails, parking and transit stops. Now, you can recycle plastics 1-7. So join the team. It’s simple, but the timing was challenging as just shootwe’re for the Blue Box looking and score a cleaner commat unaity. really Planning Services street to allow for more space Go online to learn more about the new program. the markets for plastics had plunged in the back yard. Wide-shallow “Providing more housing options in Be sure tosuccessful recycle this guide once you’ futurere done with it. in waste in 2013 and were slow to recover,” One of the newest and most lots are great because they allow Red Deer means more choice, which said Janet Whitesell, The City’s Waste management in Red exciting housing styles introduced floorplans to be designed to makes Red Deer a more attractive Management Superintendent. “We to Red Deer this year is the carriage accommodate larger front porches, place for people and businesses to - Whitesell are really excited to be able to offer Deer.” home. The carriage home provides shorter hallways, and more call home,” said Lodewyk. “Ultimately a secondary living unit above a the expanded service now that plastic windows that let natural light into our goal is to strengthen Red Deer’s “That’s what the Red Deer Recyclists rear-detached garage, offering a markets have stabilized.” the house. economy by creating great places campaign is all about - earning your place unique approach to living space where people want to live and on the starting line and encouraging others in Red Deer. With a courtyard Recycling is one of the most effective businesses can thrive.” to do the same. By recycling to your full separating the principal and ways to reduce the amount of waste sent potential, it shows you care about our secondary residences, the carriage to the landfill and subsequently reduce environment and the city’s future so we’re harmful greenhouse gas emissions. excited to recognize those that go above Now that Red Deer City Council has and beyond.” approved the move to a three unit waste limit as recommended in the Waste So how do you become a Red Deer Management Master Plan (WMMP), Recyclist? It’s simple, just shoot for the recycling remains one of the best ways to blue box and score a cleaner, more vibrant reduce waste. In addition, the expansion community. comes at a time where a shift seems to be happening with many consumers and the way they think about waste. NUMBER OF PEOPLE WHO “In the past consumerism has been 5,500TONNES ACTIVELY USE THEIR BLUE BOX quite linear – the consumer purchases 96.8% MATERIALS DIVERTED THROUGH RESIDENTIAL RECYCLING PROGRAM 24 25 ANNUAL WWW.REDDEER.CA WWW.REDDEER.CA REPORT 2015 MY RIDE, YOUR RIDE, WE ALL RIDE RED DEER TRANSIT

ransit has gone digital. In 2015 we must continually evolve to meet This new technology has had a Transit incorporated several new the needs of our customers and noticeable, positive impact for technologies to provide Red citizens.” drivers and clients because routes Deerians with safe, accessible, can be adapted on the fly. For convenient public transit: the IMPROVING NETWORK ACCESS example, if an Action Bus client T new fareboxes and MyRide Cards Always on the cutting edge and calls to cancel a trip the driver can streamline transit service for riders; ready to adopt new technologies, skip that stop on the run, saving the Student Semester Pass improves The Students’ Association of Red time and creating an opening for access to the transportation Deer College collaborated with a new, last minute booking. In network; Mobile Data Terminal Red Deer Transit to create a new the previous routing model, last system improves the connectivity of type of pass that makes transit minute bookings were very difficult our city and; the acquisition of new more accessible and affordable to accommodate as the routes are buses ensures the environmental for students. This new Semester created days in advance. sustainability of our Transit system. Pass offers a significant discount to students when compared to a NEW HARDWARE STREAMLINING SERVICE regular monthly pass or per trip fare Our transit system performs the It all started back in August when option. The semester pass is loaded vital function of connecting Red we rolled out a new on board onto a MyRide Card, which can Deerians with all corners of the farebox with fancy new features be reloaded for each semester the city. Keeping our citizens moving like scanning and printing of student is enrolled at RDC. in an environmentally sustainable less efficient buses from service. The Red Deer that are important to transfer slips on both Red Deer way is no small task, the Transit new diesel engines have superior fuel them. Providing this service in a Transit and BOLT conventional “This new pass is available to all Red team is constantly working to efficiency compared to the engines safe, efficient and effective manner buses. The new farebox was the first Deer College students, including improve service levels and find of 10 years ago. Advancements in is something our Transit team takes step in streamlining transit service those at the Donald School of route efficiencies. Having the right engine technologies have also made great pride in. for riders, while also providing Business. Students have unlimited equipment and vehicles that use the great strides in minimizing the noise information to The City about rider access to Red Deer Transit latest technologies help to keep our and vibration traditionally associated REGIONAL TRANSIT NEW MYRIDE CARD use, bus stop and route popularity. conventional services,” said Penny. buses running on time and result with a diesel engine. BOLT Transit launched in August REPLACES OLD PAPER SYSTEM in savings of fuel costs and vehicle 2014 as a way of connecting Red The next step, or stop, was the “We wanted to offer emissions. Three new smaller buses were also Deer, Blackfalds, and Lacombe introduction of the MyRide card a transportation added to the fleet to expand transit residents. Riders save money in December. This card is similar An important part of making service to areas of the city that were on fuel, parking, and vehicle to a debit or credit card with a option that not improvements to our fleet each previously restricted from service maintenance costs while helping microchip inside, and is used to year is the funding provided by the because the larger 40-foot buses had the environment. The regional pay transit fares. It replaces the old only saves students Alberta Government through the difficulty manoeuvring. The smaller service makes six round trips per system of paper tickets and passes, money, but also GreenTrip program. In 2015, The buses are 30-feet long and can seat day on weekdays, and three round and can be loaded and reloaded City was awarded $9.23 million 24 riders. They provide the same trips on Saturdays. Energy efficient, with the many different fare types, encourages a more in grant funding, which provided comfortable ride as the larger buses accessible buses include bike racks like monthly passes, 12 ride cards cost-sharing at two thirds of the with user-friendly features including and free Wi-Fi. TRANSIT RIDERSHIP FOR 2015 or even multiple months. Transit environmentally estimated eligible costs for the low-floor, step free entry, wide aisles riders can also register their card, friendly option.” System-Wide Transit Technology and large windows. These durable, The desire for a regional bus service which provides protection in the project, upgrades to fuelling fuel-efficient buses fit well into The was established around 2010 8,850,169 City’s “Green Fleet” initiative. when commercial buses began case their card gets lost, an added IMPROVING CONNECTIVITY infrastructure and the purchase of to discontinue service in smaller RIDES security of carrying a card as The digital revolution also new vehicles for the fleet. SYSTEM UPGRADES communities. At that point, we opposed to cash. took hold with the Action Bus SERVICE AREA Improving the connectivity of our heard from a lot of residents who introducing a new Mobile Data “Ultimately, this funding means city is an ongoing priority. The were disappointed they could no “We are very happy with the new Terminal system. Each Action Bus we can move more people to more City recognizes that a key part of a longer jump on the bus in Lacombe technology being used on our is now equipped with a tablet that places – and we can do it with buses,” said George Penny, Red Deer sustainability in mind,” said Mayor healthy, active lifestyle for all citizens or Blackfalds and head into Red +100,000 is live linked to the dispatch office is to have accessible transportation Deer for medical appointments, Transit Manager. “We hope it has so trip schedules are updated in real Tara Veer. CUSTOMERS options like the Action Bus as well as shopping and other engagements made it easier to use our services. As time. a city of more than 100,000 citizens, Last year two new, clean burning regular public transit to provide more and then catch the afternoon bus diesel buses were added to the fleet, people the ability to connect with going home. which allowed us to retire two older, the people and places in and around 26 27 ANNUAL WWW.REDDEER.CA WWW.REDDEER.CA REPORT 2015

READY TO ROCK AND ROLL IN

ransformation is on the horizon in a neighbourhood nestled along the Red Deer River in the heart of downtown. The Riverlands District will be a one of a kind riverfront residential RIVERLANDS neighbourhood where Red Deerians can be close to amenities, work and the river. Riverlands will seamlessly blend the area’s natural features with living spaces, shopping, T restaurants and gathering spaces —all in the heart of downtown Red Deer.

28 29 ANNUAL WWW.REDDEER.CA WWW.REDDEER.CA REPORT 2015

The Riverlands site currently consists of Detailed designs are underway for City-owned land and privately-owned Alexander Way to support the intersection land, which is a mix of commercial and changes that were put in place in 2015. In residential development. The former 2016, there will be additional upgrades Civic Yards have been relocated, Taylor to 53 Street, which comes from the CPR Drive is realigned and The City made pedestrian bridge and connects all the way RED DEER REACHING significant progress over the last year as to downtown and Riverlands. they installed infrastructure and prepared for redevelopment and revitalization of the “Right now we are planning, putting things area. in the ground and building the bones of the project, but soon, people will start to see “Revitalization of this area is all the project take shape. Seeking investment 100,000 about creating a multi-modal urban attraction and retention is the next step,” neighbourhood unlike anywhere else in said Curtis. ed Deer reached a milestone our city,” said City Manager Craig Curtis. in 2015 when it surpassed a “Extending our lively downtown experience population of 100,000 proving and creating new opportunities for business, KEY FEATURES it truly is the province’s next residents and citizens will enable us to emerging city. »» Medium to high density housing. realize economic benefits in the long term.” »» Commercial development, including “This is a transformative, defining, game- The redevelopment and revitalization of stores, retail and restaurants. changing moment for our city,” said Riverlands is the next phase of the Greater »» Public spaces, including a public square Mayor Tara Veer. “It signals a shift in our Downtown Action Plan (GDAP), which was along the river for gathering and events. community, and this milestone is about first adopted in 2009. The plan focuses on more than just the number of people who »» Proposed cultural facilities (e.g., public three major areas of the City – Riverlands, live here; it is about community spirit, market, artist studios, etc.). Railyards and historic downtown. economic development, and a continued »» Unique green spaces including the investment in this community and the Riverwalk trail and plaza. people who call Red Deer home.” “There has been a lot of »» Enhanced trail connections to Waskasoo work going on behind Park and a proposed future bridge over The final count from Red Deer’s 2015 the river to Bower Ponds. municipal census was 100,807 residents. the scenes. We have The population increased by 2,222 citizens, or 2.2 per cent, from 2014. been having community “The biggest growth areas were conversations, working in the Timberlands and Vanier with businesses and neighbourhoods,” said City Manager Craig Curtis. “At the current rates of residents who already growth, we anticipate that Red Deer will call Riverlands home reach 200,000 in less than 25-30 years.” and asking citizens what The City celebrated this milestone with a reception at City Hall where we named they want to see in the Arlo MacKay, who was born on January 30, 2015, Red Deer’s one-hundred neighbourhood.” thousandth citizen. It is more than a - City Manager, Craig Curtis number, it is a point where the city comes of age and join the ranks of cities across North America.

“The growth in our community as a whole proves that Red Deer continues to be a

RIVERLANDS FUTURE - CRONQUIST SQUARE desirable place for

154 The City of Red Deer/ Gehl Studio / WSP The City of Red Deer/ Gehl Studio / WSP 155 07 March 2016 07 March 2016 newcomers to put down

RIVERLANDS FUTURE - RIVERWALK SQUARE roots and call home.” 128 The City of Red Deer/ Gehl Studio / WSP The City of Red Deer/ Gehl Studio / WSP 129 07 March 2016 07 March 2016 30 - Mayor Veer 31 ANNUAL WWW.REDDEER.CA WWW.REDDEER.CA REPORT 2015

PASSENGERS THROUGH THE AIRPORT IN 2014 39,347 Aircraft landings at $241.724 103.9 VALUE OF BUILDING PERMITS 20,342 the Red Deer Regional TOTAL SNOWFALL Airport. Making it the busiest regional

IN 2015 IN CENTIMETERS airport in Canada. 22,208 NUMBER OF DETACHED HOUSES BUILDING PERMITS ISSUED 1,522 MILLION TOTAL NUMBER OF 100,807 NEIGHBOURHOODS NUMBER OF RED DEERIANS 52 66,122 RESIDENTS OVER THE AGE OF 19 54 AVERAGE AGE NUMBER OF BUS ROUTES OF RED DEERIANS 37 48.1% 48.2% 75 REPAIRED OUTDOOR SKATING/ 165 STREETLIGHTS

PLAYGROUNDS 1,765 HOCKEY SURFACES

OVERALL GROWTH PERCENTAGE IN 10 YEARS 211 ALBERTA % 2 211 is a free, confidential, multilingual, 28.9 2 24 hours information and referral system for 18,099m thousands of community and social services 2,222 DEDICATED TO CITY 7,672,851m Of mowed turf grass. available across the province. 211 benefits the public by making it simple and easy to GARDEN PLOTS This is equal to more 97% navigate the complex maze of community, PERCENTAGE OF RED DEERIANS than 1,288 Canadian health, government and social services 102 WHO THINK LIFE IS GOOD football fields. information. YEARS RED DEER HAS IN RED DEER BEEN A CITY SEARCH FOR INFORMATION ON: NUMBER OF NEW RED DEERIANS »» Financial & social assistance »» Housing & utility help »» Food assistance & meal programs 140 »» Seniors’ services & home care LENGTH OF RED DEER’S »» Parenting & family programs TRAILS IN KILOMETRES »» Government program assistance »» Disability support services A GROWING CITY »» Volunteer organizations »» Newcomer services »» Mental health support 32 A VIBRANT RED DEER »» and much more... 33 ANNUAL WWW.REDDEER.CA WWW.REDDEER.CA REPORT 2015

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER’S MESSAGE REVENUE BY SOURCES This chart illustrates all of The City’s revenue sources, both operating and capital including utilities. Dean Krejci NET MUNICIPAL TAXES $123,923 USER FEES AND SALE OF GOODS AND SERVICES $161,879 DEVELOPER AND CUSTOMER CONTIBUTIONS Several financial projects were undertaken $8,777 in 2015. OTHER REVENUE $4,432 Council’s Strategic Plan 2015 – 2018 FRANCHISE FEES includes the Financial Leadership $7,394 theme “Creating a sustainable financial FINES & PENALTIES foundation”. The action from this theme $5,928 is “Developing and implementing a LICENSES & PERMITS leading municipal financial framework for $3,283 current services and future community CONTRIBUTED TANGIBLE CAPITAL ASSETS investment”. Several workshops were held $9,389 with Council during the year to further INVESTMENT INCOME define what Council wanted from this $4,893 strategy. Administration has taken that CAPITAL GOVERNMENT TRANSFERS input and is currently working to create a $44,179 OPERATING GOVERNMENT TRANSFERS charter which will advise what work will be $12,301 undertaken for this project.

The City’s Audit Committee also included financial leadership components in their From a financial viewpoint the City remains work plan for the year. The primary in excellent financial shape. Debt is at 47 CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL POSITION work that was completed in this area percent of the provincially prescribed debt limit and service on debt is at 33 percent of was developing financial indicators. $1,933,995 $1,867,724 $1,849,461 $1,743,026 $1,799,414 Different standards were reviewed and a the provincially prescribed debt servicing $1,708,658 set of indicators was presented to the Audit limit. Net debt increased by $16.2 M in $2000 Committee. There are seven indicators that 2015 as anticipated due to the investment in infrastructure required to facilitate future have been recommended for adoption. $1500 The Audit Committee has referred this growth; the net book value of assets grew by

$82 M. Total reserves decreased by $4.4 M $358,131 $308,084 $333,578 $357,295 information to Council to workshop. $299,210

$1000 $291,024 and the reserves to debt ratio is 90 percent. IN THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS -$34,368 -$50,047 Council approved the next Value for Money $500 -$66,271 review as part of the Operating Budget. The To accommodate increasing demand for amenity and growth projects, in 2015, one process that was selected for review was the $0 land development process. This process per cent of the tax revenue requirement is allocated to The City’s Capital Reserves. encompasses several City departments 2013 2014 2015 including Planning, Inspections & Licensing and Engineering. The review is part of There will be ongoing work over the next FINANCIAL ASSETS the City’s ongoing review of services and several years to continue to define financial LIABILITIES programs to assess the effectiveness and sustainability and to balance service to the efficiency of operations. The procurement citizens with the economic environment NET FINANCIAL DEBT process to select the consultant was and financial health of The City. NON-FINANCIAL ASSETS completed by year end with the work to ACCUMULATED SURPLUS commence in 2016. To view the full 2015 City of Red Deer Financial Report, visit www.reddeer.ca/ budget.

34 35 ANNUAL WWW.REDDEER.CA WWW.REDDEER.CA REPORT 2015

EXPENSES BY FUNCTION LONG-TERM DEBT NET RESIDENTIAL $3,500 Expenses by segments details the amount PROPERTY TAX of expense for functional segments for the $500,000 (AFTER GRANTS) $3,000 organization for 2014 in the operating budget. INCLUDING These segments are not the same structure as $400,000 44% 47% 40% $233,877 MUNICIPAL & $2,500 $220,178 $149,834

the management structure of the organization. $208,501 $300,000 PROVINCIAL $152,744 $139,170 TRANSPORTATION REQUISITIONS $2,000 $76,805 $84,043 $67,434 $200,000 $69,331 Source: THE CITY OF CALGARY 2014 PROTECTIVE SERVICES RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY $1,500 $66,949 $100,000 TAXES AND UTILITY CHARGES SURVEY $0 $1,000 WATER & WASTEWATER 2013 2014 2015 $31,710 TAX-SUPPORTED DEBT $500 UTILITY-SUPPORTED DEBT WASTE MANAGEMENT TOTAL DEBT LEGISLATIVE & ADMINISTRATIVE $13,991 $34,146 $0 PERCENTAGE OF DEBT LIMIT USED Medicine Hat Halifax Calgary Regina Winnipeg Red Deer Edmonton St.John’s Grande Leduc Toronto Vancouver COMMUNITY SERVICES $2,105 $2,104 $2,506 $2,625 $2,667 $2,681 $2,755 2,958 $2,964 Prairie $3,115 $3,158 $3,197 $11,504 $3,087 ELECTRIC LIGHT & POWER SUBDIVISIONS $34,048 $2,023 NON-RESIDENTIAL RECREATION, PARKS & CULTURE $46,892 TAXES PER $1,000 35.00 OF ASSESSED VALUE

Source: THE CITY OF CALGARY 30.00 2014 RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY TAXES AND UTILITY CHARGES SURVEY EXPENSES BY TYPE 25.00

CONTRACTED SERVICES 20.00 $41,084

MATERIALS & SUPPLIES $47,996 15.00

10.00 PURCHASE FROM OTHER GOVERNMENTS SALARIES, WAGES & BENEFITS $18,754 $133,027 5.00 GRANTS TO ORGANIZATIONS $8,687 $0 DEBT SERVICE AND DEBT SERVICE LIMIT Leduc Calgary Red Deer Medicine Hat Saskatoon Edmonton Grande Vancouver Regina Lethbridge Winnepeg Toronto Halifax $11.61 $14.11 $15.77 $17.61 $17.61 $18.00 Prairie $19.56 $21.55 $22.08 $24.99 $25.65 $34.37 AMORTIZATION EXPENSE $18.84 $58,576 $25,000

OTHER EXPENSES FINANCIAL CHARGES $814 $9,130 $16,591 $20,000 $15,569 $13,800

$15,000 $8,875 $8,780 $8,725

IN THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS $10,000

$0 2013 2014 2015

TOTAL $22,525 $24,349 $25,466

INTEREST PAYMENTS PRINCIPAL PAYMENTS

36 37 ANNUAL WWW.REDDEER.CA REPORT 2015

SUMMARY OF ACTUAL DEBT, DEBT LIMIT HOW DOES RED DEER COMPARE (MUNICIPAL GOVERNMENT ACT), DEBT LIMIT (Debt per capita 2014) (CITY POLICY), ACTUAL DEBT SERVICE AMOUNT, AND DEBT SERVICE LIMIT (MGA)

600,000

500,000 $3731

$3500 $3216 400,000 $3120 $3000 $2570 300,000 $2500 $2233 $2000 200,000 IN DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS $1500

$1000 100,00 $765 $500

2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015* Lethbridge Red Deer Calgary Edmonton Medicine Hat *PROJECTED DEBT LIMIT (100%) DEBT LIMIT (75%) - (2010-2014, 90%) TOTAL ACTUAL DEBT DEBT SERVICE LIMIT ACTUAL DEBT SERVICE THE CITY OF RED DEER’S CORPORATE LONG-TERM DEBT SERVICING LIMIT LEADERSHIP TEAM INCLUDES: (MUNICIPAL GOVERNMENT ACT), Craig Curtis, City Manager 403.342.8156 LONG-TERM DEBT LIMIT, TOTAL DEBT SERVICE LIMIT ON DEBT LIMIT [email protected] Paul Goranson, Director of Corporate Services 403.342.8134 [email protected] 600,000 100,000 Tara Lodewyk, Director of Planning Services 90,000 403.406.8708 500,000 80,000 [email protected] 70,000 Kristy Svoboda, Director of Human Resources 400,000 403.356.8906 60,000 [email protected] 300,000 50,000 Elaine Vincent, Director of Development Services 403.342.8162 40,000 200,000 [email protected] IN THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS 30,000 Sarah Cockerill, Director of Community Services 20,000 403.342.8323 100,00 [email protected] 10,000 Julia Harvie-Shemko, Director of Communications $0 and Strategic Planning 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015* 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015* 403.342.8320 *PROJECTED *PROJECTED [email protected] DEBT LIMIT (100%) - MUNICIPAL GOVERNMENT ACT DEBT SERVICE LIMIT - MUNICIPAL GOVERNMENT ACT Lisa Perkins, Director of Corporate Transformation 403.342.8738 DEBT LIMIT (75%) - (2010-2014, 90%) ACTUAL DEBT SERVICE [email protected] TOTAL ACTUAL DEBT

38